How to Apply

We invite teachers and community members to nominate students. The application, submitted by the student, should be accompanied by a nomination letter describing the applicant, focusing on their interest in music and their family circumstances.

Eligibility

The 2018 Geringas Memorial Scholarship Competition is open to pianists who reside in Ontario, ages 12-17 (born after January 1, 2001 and before December 31, 2005).

Pianists who within the last five years have studied on a regular basis with any member of the 2018 jury are ineligible to participate. Similarly, pianists who are close relatives to the members of the Board of Advisors of the competition are ineligible to participate.

It is understood that it is likely that members of the jury may be acquainted with some participants in the competition because of past associations (for example, previous competitions, music festivals, master classes, or enrollment at academic institutions).

Application materials

The following items must be submitted electronically to geringas <at> gmail <dot> com, and received by March 15, 2018 (incomplete applications will not be accepted):

Applicants will be notified of acceptance into the competition by March 31, 2018.

The competition will consist of two rounds. In the first round, competitors who are invited to send electronic materials will be asked to prepare and video record 15 to 20 minutes of solo repertoire. All repertoire must be memorized. The video recording should be unedited and the frame should include both the competitor and the piano in their entirety. The video should be uploaded to Vimeo.com by April 30, 2018.

The repertoire for the first (video) round must include one selection from the Baroque OR Classical Era (Lists A or B in the Royal Conservatory of Music Syllabus), and one or two other works representing contrasting stylistic periods.

The second round will take place in June, 2018, and will consist of a live performance. Finalists will be required to play 30 to 35 minutes of solo repertoire representing at least three stylistic periods, one of which must be from the Baroque or Classical era. Only one work from the first round may be repeated in the second round. The order of performance will be determined by the drawing of lots.

Only original works will be permitted in both rounds. Competitors may not play transcriptions or arrangements. Competitors may not play their own compositions. The director of the competition reserves the right to reject any repertoire. In such an instance, the competitor will be given an opportunity to replace the rejected piece. Competitors will be notified by March 31 of any unacceptable repertoire.

Prizes

The scholarship winner will receive $4000, and the opportunity to perform at an Off Centre Music Salon concert. The other finalists will receive $250.